Question

Assertion :Tin $\left(Sn\right)$ exhibits $+2$ and $+4$ oxidation states only and not $+3$ oxidation state. Reason: Inert pair effect of electron pair in s-orbital is responsible.

• A. Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion
• B. Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion
• C. Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect
• D. Assertion is incorrect but Reason is correct

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Down the group 14, the oxidation state $+2$ becomes common such as $SnC{l}_2,PbO$ and $P{b}^{2+}$.With tin, the $+4$ state is still more stable than the $+2$, but by the time you get to lead, the $+2$ state is the more stable and dominates the chemistry of lead.

$+3$ is not stable because of the Inert pair effect of electron pair in s-orbital.

In $C{H}_4$ carbon is not in $+4$ but is in $-4$ state as carbon is more electronegative than hydrogen.